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Transformative experiences, encounters and new insprations:

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SEKEM – the “miracle in the desert.” The Siwa Oasis with its salt lakes, the Great Sand Sea, and solitary nature walks in the desert. A visit to the ancient Oracle of Alexander, an organic date farm in Siwa, moments of mindfulness and meditation, mindful leadership practice, and the discovery of an innovative, holistic approach to economy and community. Guided by the principles of Theory U, our journey opens space for reflection, connection, and renewal.

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Today, wherever we look in the world, our reality is shaped by three universal divides:

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• The Ecological Divide, seen in the accelerating climate crisis and loss of biodiversity.

• The Social Divide, felt in the growing polarization of societies, rising inequality, and the spread of conflict and violence.

• The Spiritual Divide, the disconnection of human beings from themselves, expressed in collective feelings of despair, helplessness, and hopelessness.

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On our 11-day journey to Egypt, we will engage in a threefold process designed to respond to these divides:

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SEKEM, the “Miracle in the Desert,” was founded in 1977 with the vision of greening the desert through biodynamic agriculture and fostering a vibrant, life-giving community. Over the decades, this vision has flourished into a living ecosystem of sustainable farming, fair enterprises, and pioneering educational projects that extend from kindergarten to university. In recognition of his achievement, SEKEM’s founder, Ibrahim Abouleish, received the Alternative Nobel Prize in 2003.

 

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Today, SEKEM is internationally recognized as a pioneering lighthouse project, guided by the holistic concept of “Economy of Love.” This model embraces economy, ecology, society, and culture—four inseparable dimensions that must be cultivated in balance to generate healing and renewal in our crisis-stricken world.

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​Get to know the concept of "Economy of Love" in all its facets with us and let yourself be inspired for your future projects. We visit the SEKEM Farm and the most important companies of the SEKEM Holding, where the processing and shipping of the food produced on the farms takes place. Get to know the educational concept of the SEKEM community from kindergarten to vocational schools to Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development. 

 

We will also visit the Siwa Desert Oasis and an organic date farm and we will embark on a deep nature experience in a nature solo in the desert at the Siwa Salt Lake. 

 

Our accommodations are the SEKEM Farm and SALT-Ecolodge, a unique retreat center in the Siwa Oasis, where desert and salt lakes welcome us gently and friendly.

 

Enjoy with us the unique Egyptian hospitality and the breathtaking beauty of Egyptian nature.

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Facilitators 

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• Christiane Leiste | Mindful Leadership, Deep Democracy-CoResolve, Theory U

• Andreas Bertram | Mindful Leadership, Deep Democracy-CoResolve, Coaching & Consulting

• Nana Woo | Mindful Movement

 

All three trainers are deeply connected with SEKEM and with Egypt itself. Christiane and Andreas have been closely involved through many years of on-site consulting work. Nana Woo has lived at SEKEM for seven years and is a member of the SEKEM Future Council.

Through their guidance, you will experience SEKEM from the inside out and have the opportunity to engage directly with local people and community members.

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Practical Information

 

Reservations are now open.

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• Price for 11 days / 12 nights: €2,890
  (includes accommodation and all meals in organic quality, as well as transfers between Cairo Airport and the Siwa Oasis)

• Not included: flights to Cairo, entrance fees, and optional excursions in Cairo (to be organized individually).

• Early Bird price until 30 November 2025: €2,590

 

The shared program runs for 11 days, from 28 March to 7 April 2026. Your stay at SEKEM can be extended individually, for example with a visit to the Pyramids or the Grand Egyptian Museum.

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• Arrival: 27 March 2026

• Departure: 8 April 2026
  (Arrival and departure are self-organized and                                                                      not included in the price.)

• Number of participants: minimum 10, maximum 20

• Event language: English

 

Registration: info@lean-in.eu

 

 

Further Information

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• About SEKEM: https://sekem.com/en/index/

• About Economy of Love: https://economyoflove.net

• About SALT Ecolodge: saltofsiwa.com

 

After registration, you will receive a confirmation and an invoice. We kindly ask you to transfer 50% of the participation fee within one week of registration.

 

Cancellation Policy

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• Cancellation until 30 November 2025: 20% of the total price will be charged.

• Cancellation from 1 December 2025 onwards: 50% of the total price will be charged.

• If the journey has to be cancelled for other reasons (e.g. too few participants), your entire deposit will be refunded.

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